Keyword Guide · study-guide
Sula Peace is the enigmatic and fiercely independent protagonist of Toni Morrison’s celebrated novel. Unlike many literary characters of her era, Sula rejects traditional societal expectations, serving as a radical force of nature in the town of Bottom.
Sula is defined by her refusal to conform to the roles of daughter, wife, or mother. After leaving her hometown for ten years, she returns with a worldview that prioritizes her own desires and experimental living. This makes her a controversial figure among the townspeople, who view her independence as a threat to their established social order. Her character challenges the reader to consider whether true freedom is possible within a rigid community.
Sula is often described by her distinctive birthmark over one eye. Interestingly, the appearance of this mark changes depending on who is viewing it; some see a stemmed rose, while others see a tadpole or a scary creature. This symbolism highlights Sula’s role as a mirror for others. Her physical presence is marked by a certain grace and a lack of 'settledness,' reflecting her internal state of constant flux and emotional distance.
While others in the novel follow a strict moral code, Sula operates outside of traditional ethics. She does not feel guilt in the way her friend Nel does, and she often acts on impulse. By choosing to live 'for herself' rather than for the community, she becomes a pariah. However, her presence serves a functional role in Bottom: the community unites in their shared dislike of her, ironically becoming better behaved in response to her perceived wickedness.
To describe Sula accurately, one must look at her relationship with Nel Wright. While Nel chooses the path of conventionality and social acceptance, Sula chooses the path of the self. Their friendship represents two halves of a whole. Sula’s character arc demonstrates that her 'evil' is not necessarily malicious but rather an expression of an untethered soul seeking to experience life without the weight of tradition.
Sula is motivated by a desire to live a life entirely of her own making, free from the constraints of marriage, family, and community expectations.
The townspeople of Bottom view Sula as a pariah and a symbol of evil because she defies gender norms and disregards the community’s social and moral codes.
Sula is a complex protagonist. While her actions often cause pain to those around her, she is not a traditional villain; she represents the struggle for individual identity in a restrictive society.
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